The DAE’s classes and camps provide students with opportunities to explore digital arts and the world of technology in a fun, collaborative and dynamic environment.

Students at The Digital Arts Experience in Westchester, NY working on the tile-based Scratch programming language, developed by MIT.

In this blog entry, we are going to shine the spotlight on one of our most popular class topics: Computer Programming & Coding. At The Digital Arts Experience, we recognize the importance of learning a computer programming language at a young age. In this rapidly advancing technological world that we live in, having the ability to program a computer is going to be a basic essential literacy.

The computer programming languages that we teach are HTML/CSS, Java, Javascript, Processing, Python, Ruby & Scratch. Let’s take a closer look at our class description for each topic:

Web Development combines elements from both the creative and technical world. In this class, students will learn how to build a website from the ground up using HTML & CSS, and explore the design aspects of putting together a stunning and modern looking site. Students will complete the class with their very own, customized sites.

An intro course that is a great start for older and younger students to begin programming using Java. Students will begin to look at Java programming and create their own games using the program, Greenfoot. These games can be either an original idea or a re-imagining of a classic.

Javascript is the life-blood of Web Development. It’s how we bring life to ordinary websites by making them interactive and engaging. In this course, you will learn how to write Javascript code, manipulate web pages, and build complex web applications. Along the way, students will be introduced to jQuery, a powerful JS library, and build at least 2 working web applications. By the end of the course, students will have gained the skills necessary to create their own web applications, as well as, implement their own custom Javascript into existing projects.

This course will explore taking programming off of the computer screen. An Arduino Microcontroller will be used together with Processing code to create interactive programs. These programs will have visual components from Processing and physical components from the Arduino.

Python is the perfect language to begin programming with actual code. It is written entirely in English and does not require abstract language or terminology, so it is easy to learn & understand. Students will start with writing simple programs and work towards programming text based games that will exercise their programming skills and develop fluency with Python.

This course will cover all of the basics of computer programming using the powerful Ruby language. Since its inception in 1993, Ruby has grown to become one of the largest scripting languages in the world, sought out by many employers. Throughout the course, students will learn how to write simple yet effective code, learning the core concepts of program creation in the process. By the end of the course, students will have completed 3 working programs, and a small text-based Role Playing Game.

Scratch is a tile-based visual platform that helps teach basic syntax and logic concepts that drive computer programming by users stacking command blocks together. It can be used to create virtually anything: from interactive stories and animations to video games. Students create their very own games, animations, cards and stories. Basic programming concepts such as event handlers, loops, conditions, operators and variables are taught.

Students complete class tutorials that teach and reinforce programming concepts in a way that fosters critical thinking, time management and problem solving. They also employ design thinking, creating their own games on paper and seeing them through to their digital conception.

For the Fall of 2016, we are working on curriculum for App Development using the Swift language as well as several more advanced coding classes.

Join us next Thursday, June 16th from 5-7PM for Open House where you can tour our facility, meet our instructors and view student work. Learn more about our Summer STEM programs here by visiting our website.

About The Digital Arts Experience

The Digital Arts Experience (The DAE) was founded in 2012 to meet the need for students to help them develop their interest in all things digital. Founder and president Rob Kissner recognized the opportunity to offer youth a collaborative, creative community, in which they could learn, explore, and share new ideas using cutting edge technology. Rob has turned this concept into a reality by bringing together an outstanding group of instructors at our 8,000 sq foot state-of-the-art facility in White Plains, New York.

The Digital Arts Experience offers students fully equipped classrooms featuring the latest creative software, a makerspace with 3D printers and scanners, a photo and video studio, a recording studio and more. In 2014, DAE launched a new mobile tech lab, dubbed The Digital Arts Express (The DAExpress), to meet the demand for after-school programs on-location in Westchester and Fairfield Counties. The DAExpress is focused on making The DAE’s cutting edge technology and curriculum accessible to all youth in Westchester & Connecticut. The DAE provides a completely unique, personalized experience for every student who enrolls in their after-school, school break or summer programs.

The DAE’s instructors are experienced and passionate about teaching digital arts to kids ages 6 and up, and they are continuously involved with expanding the DAE course catalog with leading edge technologies and teaching techniques. DAE culture promotes innovation and engagement, and ensures each student is able to access what they need to help explore their creative passions. DAE classes and camps provide students with opportunities to explore digital arts and the world of technology in a fun, collaborative and dynamic environment.

5 Ways Your Kids Can Have an Enriching Summer

And you too!

A few tips for staying active and engaged this summer.

It’s that time of the year again. The weather is heating up, the ice cream truck is making its rounds and school is out. In today’s tech world, making sure your kids stay active and engaged this summer can be more challenging than ever.

Here are 5 ways your kids can have an enriching summer, learn new things and still have fun in the sun.

Compromise on Indoor Activities

Sometimes kids want to stay indoors and play video games all day while it’s a perfect Ferris Bueller day outside. That’s okay. Just like adults, kids also fall into different moods depending on the day. Don’t try to fight it. Think of it as an outlet for kids. Video games serve as a great escape, stress reliever and have proven to help train the brain to become more agile and improve strategic thinking.

Moderation

Of course with any indoor activity should come moderation. Especially in the summer. Vitamin D has proven to improve one’s overall mental well-being. Make sure to regulate your kid’s indoor time by balancing it out with outdoor activities. Even something as simple as going out to grab a smoothie or some ice cream can serve as an “excuse” to get some fresh air.

Reward Your Kids

Going hand in hand with moderation, reward your kids for good behavior. For the times they actually do shut off their video games or put their phone down when you ask them to, make it known that you appreciate it. As stated earlier, in this tech world, we live in a world of not only instant gratification but constant distraction too. There are plenty of fun activities that you can do together. Have fun and experience new things with your kids. You’ll find that it is just as rewarding to yourself, too.

Engage in Their Interests

There are plenty of both indoor and outdoor summer camps that meet your kid’s interests. Nowadays, there are camps for just about everything! Language camps, sports camps, tech camps, sleepaway camps and countless others. Talk to your kids. Find out what they are passionate about. Are they obsessed with Minecraft? Flip that around and make it educational. There’s plenty of Summer Tech camps that teach kids how to code using Minecraft.

5. Be patient

Before you know it, your kids will be all grown up and ready to leave for college. One day you’ll sit back and reflect on how it all went by so fast. Remember to breathe. Live in the present and enjoy the now. Appreciate every sunny day, but also find good in the rainy ones too. Create lasting memories with your kids that’ll enrich their lives and form strong bonds with you.

The Digital Arts Experience is a learning center that specializes in extra-curricular STEM classes and camps in the greater Westchester area. They offer classes in computer programming with Scratch, Python & Java, 3D printing, 3D animation, 3D game design and much more. To learn more about the Digital Arts Experience, please visit theDAE.com.

Join us next Tuesday, May 17th for Open House from 5-7PM! Stop by at any time to explore our facility, meet our friendly staff of instructors, and learn about our exciting, cutting-edge Summer STEM camps for kids.

We will have our facility set up like a trade show with instructors at different stations so that you can ask questions and view student work!

Our Summer STEM Camps begin July 5th and run all the way through to Labor Day. Students can choose to attend for a half day – either morning or afternoon, or a full day with lunch break in the middle. Sessions run for 2 weeks total, but you can opt to only attend 1 week depending on your schedule.

So stop on by and check out what we are all about this coming Tuesday!

We’ve got you covered! While other camps end before August does, The Digital Arts Experience’s computer and STEM summer camps in White Plains of Westchester County, NY, keep on going into the first week of September. Listen to President Rob Kissner talk about how you should end your kids’ summer.

With courses in 3D Printing, Animation, Graphic Design, and more STEM subjects to choose from, your child is sure to find a program that they are interested in! Allow your children to finish their summer at the most fun and educational summer camp in Westchester.

The Digital Arts Experience of White Plains, Westchester County will be hosting 4-week STEM related crash courses starting in June. With their Summer STEM Camps quickly approaching and many of their after school and Saturday courses coming to a close, providing 4-week programs are just enough to get a student’s feet wet and introduce them to a possible field they are interested in pursuing.

CRASH COURSES INCLUDE:

Intro to Computer Science using Python (Ages 9-12)

3D Printing with Minecraft (Ages 9-12)

Intro to Filmmaking (Ages 12 & up)

Digital Photography (Ages 12 & up)

Scratch Coding (Ages 9 -12)

Java Game Programming (Ages 12 & up)

WHY WE’RE DIFFERENT:

Small class sizes
Each student will work hands-on & receive the attention he or she needs from the instructor.

Focus on exposure
Our students will explore industry level techniques and projects.

Goal-oriented
The instructors facilitate setting and achieving goals.

Collaboration is #1
Our classes encourage social development in addition to technical skills.

Complete projects
Use for a portfolio, college application, resume and more!

Strictly Anti-Bully
Words hurt just as much as fists. We provide a safe and fun environment for our students and have a zero tolerance for bullying of any kind.

LEARN MORE:

To find out more about our 4-week crash courses, explore our website at www.TheDAE.com.